Quintrex 2017 models break cover

During a media function on the Gold Coast last week, Quintrex released its full 2017-model line-up to assembled journalists. A range of new models was released, and existing product lines expanded, but the most exciting news was the launch of the new Apex hull, an entirely new and innovative hull shape claimed to be as revolutionary as the Quintrex Millennium hull from 1999.

OVERVIEW
- New models, new hulls, expanded boat range
Held at Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast, the Quintrex "Charting The Course" media day was staged to launch the distinctive new forked-bow Apex series hulls, but also to display new models added to the existing Quintrex line-up — including the all-new new Quintrex Freestyler bowriders and Frontier side- and centre-console fishing boats.

The Freestyler and Frontiers displaying during the launch were the first boats in complete new model line-ups, and for the moment are the only boats available with the new Apex hull.

During the media launch, Quintrex emphasised that the new model lines do not replace existing Quintrex models. Rather, the Apex hull equipped Freestyler and Frontier boats will co-exist with the rest of the Quintrex range — all of which remain equipped with the Quintrex Blade hull released back in 2011.

QUINTREX APEX HULL
- Revolutionary or evolutionary?
That’s the $64k question. Does the new Apex hull break new ground, or is it all hype? Quintrex claims the new hull is as revolutionary as the debut of the original flared hull way back in 1968 and the Millennium hull in 1999 — both of which proved to be significant historical milestones for Quintrex.

The introduction of the flared hull bottom and Millennium hull were game-changers for Quintrex, giving this household name brand a substantial advantage over rival brands. Will the new Apex series hull prove equally successful?

Well, after spending several hours testing the new hulls, our preliminary viewpoint is that these new hulls do represent a major step forward in alloy hull design. They also look wildly different to traditional vee hulls — which in itself is and advantage and a key selling point for Quintrex.

But more about the Apex hull itself.

Accordingly to the supplied literature, Quintrex spent several years researching and developing the new Apex hulls — and we can vouch for that, having spotted a very earlier development "mule" testing on the Gold Coast Broadwater back in 2014.

As noted, the Apex hull looks entirely different to regular vee monohulls. At first glance the forked bow shape is the standout feature, but upon closer inspection you can see that the chines now rise up to the forked deck line at the bow instead of finished at the stem.

The stem itself has a relaxed, more gentle angle to it than the Blade hull, while the sharp vee flare now extends right out to the chines, and further back down the hull — in recognition that it is more important to have the vee cutting surface a metre or so back from the stem where the hull actually meets the water surface.

On the water the benefits of the new hull are pronounced. In choppy water the Apex hull rides very softly and comfortably. It is drier than the blade hull too — as the hull flare now rises up to the deck line and is able to catch spray and deflect it away from the boat.

General handling is also very good. In a following sea the more relaxed stem shape and easy sloping bow sections allow the hull to slide, almost skid out of wave troughs, while the wider chines and extended vee bottom flare now give the hull limpet-like grip when cornering — a feature that will lend these new hulls to all manner of towsports.

The new hull design has benefits above the water line too. The forked bow — which carries the wide beam all the way forward — creates substantially more internal space at the bow enabling Quintrex to include a larger seating area in the Freestyler bowriders and a bigger casting deck in the Frontier fishing rigs.

A new side deck and coaming design also differentiates the Apex models from regular Quintrex boats. The new "Raised Side Decks" increase the internal volume of each boat, raise the cockpit freeboard by around 80mm, and provide a distinctive new appearance.

The new Quintrex Apex hulls are radically different to traditional rounded bow vee monohulls and polarizing in appearance, but they certainly do work. On the water the hulls are soft, safe, stable, dry and spacious, attributes that will certainly endear them to new boat buyers around the country.

QUINTREX FREESTYLERS
- More seating, more storage with deeper cockpits
Armed with the new Apex hull bottom and a striking new look, the new Quintrex Freestyler bowriders are certain to garner plenty of interest this coming boat show season. We expect them to draw customers like bees to a honey pot, as the boats are so different to regular alloy tinnies.

The Freestylers are available in five sizes, 510, 530, 550, 590 and 630. All have the Apex hull and the new Quintrex Raised Side Decks which make the boats deep inside, and safer for young children.

The boats are manufactured with 4mm alloy bottom sheets and 3mm topsides, with the exception of the flagship 630 model which has a 5mm bottom. Models 550 and up also have the reinforcing ribs welded to the bottom sheet.

The Freestylers are deluxe-outfitted models with carpet throughout, along with roto-moulded helm and dash consoles, side storage pockets, anchor wells and sub floor lockers.

They have a fold down and removable rear bench seat, comfy dual helm hairs and larger than usual bow seating areas, due to the increased bow width of the forked shape of the Apex hulls.

In the 630 series model for example there is space for two 6’3” (187cm) tall people to recline in comfort up at the bow. This model also has a hidden anchor well.

Look for a full review of one of these exciting new models in coming weeks.

QUINTREX FRONTIER SERIES
- Big casting decks, compact consoles, lots of fishing room
The new Frontier models from Quintrex are open fishing boats built around the same six Apex hulls as the Freestyler bowriders, so they too are available in 510, 530, 550, 590, and 630 model sizes.

The Frontiers are targeted at anglers looking for a versatile craft capable of fishing lakes and rivers on one day, then heading out to coastal offshore waters the next.

Available with side and centre console configurations, the Frontiers have lift out pedestal seating, a large forward casting deck with loads of storage, a locker for electric trolling motor batteries, and provision for optional Evakool ice boxes.

The rear of the boats have deep cockpits with high freeboard, standard port side live bait tank with clear viewing window, four stainless steal rod holders, sub-floor battery locker, underfloor roto-moulded storage bins and kill tanks, and an optional port side under-gunnel rod locker.

We look forward to bring you a full test on one of these gun new fishing rigs very soon.

STEALTH HORNETS
- Low-profile bass and barra boats with front and rear fishing decks
Quintrex has added several new models to its long running Hornet range. The new Stealth models share the pickle fork bow section of the current series models but have larger casting decks with a single row of seats across the centre of the boat.

The Stealth models are available in 470, 510 and 530 sizes and with a side console layout — though the ranger topper can also be optioned with dual roto-moulded helm consoles (as pictured).

Cleverly, the new models have a hinged rear casting platform which folds over the fixed centre seats, thereby doubling the size of the rear cast deck.

The new Stealth Hornets run beautifully on the water with the kind of performance you might expect from a high powered US bass boat. The big 530 model is certainly an exhilarating drive with one of the new Evinrude E-TEC 175hp outboards on the transom — running to a top speed of 45 knots.

The Stealth Hornets have 4mm bottoms, 3mm topsides, pop-up cleats to keep the decks clear, along with a huge range of options from lean seats to trolling motor platforms and rod lockers.

EXPANDED RENEGADE RANGE
- New models to boost best-selling line-up
For the 2017 model year Quintrex has revised its hugely popular Renegade range of open fishing boats.

Built around the Blade series vee hull, the Renegades have traditional been available from 4.2m to 5.2m in length. Following request from dealers, however, Quintrex has now dropped the 520 model and replaced it with two new boats in 530 and 570 sizes.

Available in with side and centre console configurations, the new boats have 3mm hull bottoms with 3mm plate-look topsides, deep centre cockpit areas, wide, flat side coamings, bow and stern casting decks with sub-floor storage areas, and plenty of options for easy customisation.

FISHABOUT BUDGET-BEATERS
- Budget-friendly range gains two new models
The Fishabout range has also received some attention from Quintrex this year with the launch of two new boats at the top end of the range.

To date all Fishabout models have been traditional forward control runabouts, but the new 610 flagship model actually has a surprisingly large two-berth cabin beneath its lower profile foredeck.

The 610 Fishabout is a big boat, utilizing the same wide beam, deep vee Blade hull as the 610 Quintrex Trident, but in a more affordable base package.

Joining the big 610 Fishabout is a 570 series model aimed at anglers looking for fairly basic, but robust and versatile fishing boat.

The 570 Fishabout has a runabout layout with centre opening, walk-through windscreen (with sturdy grab rail), roto-moulded dash and co-pilot helm consoles, and a huge rear cockpit with rear bench seat, side storage pockets and 260mm wide side coamings.

QUINTREX YELLOWFIN SOUTHERNER EDITION
- Extended cabins for improved weather protection
For 2017, two new models have been added to the Quintrex Yellowfin range. The new 7000 and 7600 Yellowfin Southerner Editions share the same hulls as the existing hardtop models, but have the cabin sides extended by 300mm to provide addition skipper and crew shelter.

A number of other changes/improvements have also been made, including the addition of rain deflectors and interior hood linings to all hardtop models.

A new, upscale bait board/rigging station is also available as an option. Welded to the rear transom coaming (it is not removable) the new rigging station comes complete with external rod holders and removable terminal tackle drawers. It’s lockable too, so you don’t have to remove the tackle trays after each outing.

Additional new options include a port side wiper (hardtop models) an LED night light fishing kit and a button activated external raw-water hand wash.

THE WRAP
- Great new Quinnies for fishing and family boating
The 2017 Quintrex new product launch proved to be one of the most interesting in years, with lots of new boats, new hulls, and significant upgrades to many existing models.

It is refreshing to see this company striding forward on the front foot, continuing to improve, to upgrade, to innovate.

Little wonder Quintrex is Australia’s best selling boat brand.

Look out for in-depth reviews on the new Quintrex models in the coming weeks and months. Watch this space.

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